Study Text: The Book of Acts (Chapter 2)
On the symbolically significant Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit falls visibly on the gathered disciples, and they begin to speak in "other tongues" (2:1-4). Stunned crowds gather, each hearing the believers praise God in "his own native tongue" (vv. 5-13). Peter then quiets the crowd. He explains the phenomenon by referring to Joel's Old Testament prophecy concerning a day when God will "pour out His Spirit" (vv. 14-21). Peter then proclaims Christ as God's Messiah and Saviour in a sermon that contains the basic elements of apostolic preaching (vv. 22-37). Some 3,000 heed his urgent call to "repent and be baptized," to accept forgiveness of sins through Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv. 38-41). With great enthusiasm the new converts commit themselves to live in the new Christian community (vv. 42-47).
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
"Pentecost" (2:1). The day fell 50 days after Passover and was originally a harvest festival (Lev. 23:15-16). In N.T. times it also commemorated Moses' giving of the Law on Sinai.
Visible signs (2:2-3). Three phenomena occurred together that made the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost an unmistakable and unique event:
(1) the rushing wind.
(2) the visible flames resting on each believer present.
(3) speaking in "other tongues." There is no record of these three being present together at any other time.
Filling with the Spirit (2:4). The image is common in the O.T. where it emphasizes the Holy Spirit's empowering of the individual for service (cf. Judges 6:34; 14:19). In the N.T., the Gk. verbs meaning "to fill" are always in the passive voice when filling with the Spirit is described. We "are filled," we do not fill ourselves.
The Spirit dwells in every believer (1 Cor. 6:19), and as we live in fellowship with God He will fill us. When He does we are enabled both to serve and to grow (cf. Gal. 5:19-23).
"Tongues" (2:3). There is great debate over the nature and significance of the "gift of tongues." Here, however, the text gives definite clues. These "tongues" were recognized as the "native languages" of visitors who had come to Jerusalem for the festival (v. 8).
The prophecy (2:15-21). Peter explains what has happened by quoting a prophecy which is being partially fulfilled. The fact that the ultimate fulfillment of O.T. prophecies was often foreshadowed by partial fulfillment was understood by Peter's listeners.
The elements of the prophecy he emphasizes are:
(1) the pouring out of the Spirit, which takes place "before" (no time specified!) the Day of the Lord comes.
(2) during which "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (v. 21).
Apostolic preaching (2:22-41). Peter's sermon here and other sermons recorded in Acts contain critical elements in common.
These are:
a) Jesus is a extraordinary person (2:22).
b) Jesus crucified and risen (2:23-24; 3:13-15).
c) All this was prophesied (2:25-35; 3:18).
d) Jesus is God's Messiah (2:36; 3:20).
e) All who turn and believe will be forgiven and given the Holy Spirit (2:37-38; 3:19, 21-26).
These themes remain basic elements of the proclamation of the Gospel in our day. A promise for all (2:39). The invitation to respond to the Gospel remains unlimited. But acceptance of the Gospel carries with it a very special obligation: to share it with "all."
The Christian community (2:42-47). This paragraph is often taken as a description of the ideal Christian community. It is united around the apostles' teaching:
1) Fellowship,
2) Prayer,
3) Sharing
4) Praise
The "breaking of bread" (2:42). This phrase refers to the Communion service.
